That four tire stop just before mid race seemed to kill them. He lost a ton of track position and just wasn't able to make it up. I think Smoke definitely had a top five car but that was their undoing. Left a little out there today.

It seemed like a good call, guess the set of tires just didn't match up. Sucks when you put four tires on a car and instead of at least holding station, you go backwards. Maybe someone who was able to listen to the scanner can tell us if there was any mention of Goodyear and their inability to build consistent tires.

"This one's for every one of those fans in the stands that pull for me every week and take all the bull**** from everybody else." - Tony Stewart, July 29, 2007

I heard that too doc and someone in the booth said 4 had no advantage over 2 as far as speed on the track. The only advantage was the time in pitting for 2 rather than 4. Seems a lot of teams figured that out. Good thing is he's now 23rd in points and I'm not saying who is 1 position better than he is... All that glitters is not gold

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe" - Friedrich Nietzsche

I felt Smoke ha a top 5 car, but track position and pit strategy were killing him. I'm more pleased then most around here because the car has speed and Tony is comfortable in the car. I expect him to contend for the win at Vegas.

Yes Smoke_14, I thought that was a good sign as well that he was comfortable with the balance in the car. If he is comfortable that should lead to good finishes in the future. I'm not so sure he was ever truly comfy in the COT.

I too really think Tony likes this new car....it kinda suits his driving style better........for the second time in this car, I think they will put in the books about the four tire stop and track position...so important! He was really happy with the setup in the beginning and for Tony and Steve, that is a good start....we'll take 8th and on to Vegas, where he won last year!

Phoenix will only get slicker and slicker thanks to our endless summers. Once that happens, the 2 tire stuff will go out the window unless it's very few laps to go. There's only been one whole summer (our summers are 6 months long) on the track and it doesn't look new anymore. Just a matter of time

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe" - Friedrich Nietzsche